These brave words accompanied by such determination of manner were in
such contrast to the usual course of the cowardly Mexicans that the
Indians were taken all aback. They could not suspect the earnestness of
the short, sturdy framed leader, nor could they doubt that though the
Indians would be sure to overwhelm the little band, yet they would
have to pay dearly for the privilege. It took them but a few minutes
to conclude the price was altogether too high and they drew off without
making a hostile demonstration against the brave Carson and his men.

The trappers worked their way down the Colorado until they arrived at
tidewater, when they moved to the Gila, along which they trapped until
they reached the mouth of the San Pedro. They were in sore need of
horses with which to transport their furs and peltries, that had become
numerous and bulky. While in this neighborhood, they discovered a large
herd of horses and mules in the possession of a few Indians. According
to the morality of the border this property was legitimate prey, but in
point of fact when the trappers determined to take the animals from the
aborigines, they became thieves and robbers. However, it is not to be
hoped that a single member of the company felt the slightest twinge of
conscience when he rode at full speed, yelling to the highest bent, and
helped scatter the terrified red men to the winds. The entire herd fell
into the hands of the whites, and, congratulating themselves on their
good fortune, they kindled a huge fire and encamped for the night.

Most of the men had lain down with the intention of sleeping until
morning, and Kit sat looking in the fire, when his trained ear caught
a peculiar sound. At first, it seemed to be the faint roll of distant
thunder, but he knew it was not. He listened carefully and was able
to tell the direction whence came the singular noise, but remained
uncertain as to its cause. Then, as he had done many a time, he leaned
over and pressed his ear to the solid earth. Immediately the rumbling
became more distinct and he recognized what it meant: it was the tramp
of numerous hoofs galloping forward.

Carson and several of his men stole noiselessly out to reconnaissance
and found a half dozen warriors hurrying along a drove of more than a
hundred horses. They had been on a raid among the Mexican settlements in
Sonora and were now returning home with their plunder.

The temptation was one which Carson and his compani